Peel Harvey Fishers Netting Closure

Department of Fisheries officers in Mandurah are reminding fishers that set netting is prohibited
in the Peel Harvey Inlet during August, September and October.

This closure applies to both recreational and commercial fishers.

Supervising Fisheries and Marine Officer Bob Kirk said the annual ban was in place to help
protect estuarine cobbler during their main breeding season, when they were most susceptible to
capture.

The Inletâs cobbler stocks are under increasing pressure due to environmental changes, which
have resulted in a loss of breeding habitat for the species that generally nests in burrows.

Set nets are mainly used by fishers in the Peel Harvey Inlet to target mullet, but, other species
such as cobbler can and do get caught in their nets.

Between November and July recreational set netting is permitted in specific parts of the Peel.

Harvey Inlet on Wednesday nights only, however, from 1 August to 31 October set netting is
completely banned.

The potential penalty for anyone who breaches the ban is significant and an offender could face a
fine of up to $3000.

Mr Kirk said it was important that set nets and other netting methods were managed to protect
fish stocks and keep them sustainable, by minimising excessive catches of both target and nontarget
species.

Fishers are also reminded that set nets are not a permitted method for taking crabs and all crabs
caught that way must be immediately returned to the water upon capture,

Recreational fishers are allowed to use throw nets at all times throughout most waters in the
Peel Harvey Inlet, however, we encourage everyone to fish for the future and be well aware of
bag limits and the rules around the types of nets that can be used,

A recreational netting licence is required. Netting rules are explained in the booklet Recreational

A recreational netting licence is required. Netting rules are explained in the booklet Recreational
Net Fishing in Western Australia, which is available from the Department of Fisheries office in
Leslie Street, Mandurah. The booklet can also be viewed online, or downloaded from the
Departmentâs website, at www.fish.wa.gov.au